11-month Old Siamese Rescue From Shelter Will Not Come Out From Hiding

[SiameseKittyLover]

We rescued a 10-month old Siamese cat from a county shelter almost six weeks ago. She was turned in to the shelter by her owner and then two days later she was adopted by another rescuer. Three days after that the rescuer returned her to the shelter where she stayed for another two months until I rescued her. Sketchy shelter reports indicate that she was unsocialized and "fractious." We took her home and she has had a number of hiding places since then, but for the last couple of weeks has been hiding behind the couch all day. She eats normally (we have her food and water near the hiding place), uses the litter box and plays with toys that we've bought her. We gather the toys every day and put them back in the same place. The only caveat to all of this is that - she only comes out at night and when we're not home during the day to eat, drink and play with toys. We've never seen much of her. She briefly came out into a corner near the couch to look at us for one minute and then went back behind the couch. This is the only time we've seen her or had an interaction. She waits until we leave the house or go up to bed to come out and eat and play (we find the toys thrown all over the house). She is very quiet and we do not know that she's even in the house. Where do we go from here? We've been sticking to the idea that she will come out in her own time and we must be patient. Two cat "experts" told us to not let this behavior go on and to get a cat tree, try some Feliway and as a last resort get another older male cat that is very calm and adjusted and that cat will mentor our little Siamese into becoming more social. Any advice will be much appreciated. We're just a little concerned that our cat is exhibiting feral tendencies and will forever continue with her night routine/day routine when we're not around.

 

[Columbine]

Hi, and welcome to TCS

Thank you for taking this girl in. So many under-socialised cats struggle to get adopted because of the very behaviours you describe.

I think your best bet is to start by setting up a safe room for her, and have her living just in that room for a while, until she gains more confidence. A smaller space is easier for her to 'own', and makes it easier for you to work with her too. Block off all inaccessible hiding places (such as behind or under furniture), and then provide her with a couple of options that you can access more easily (an upturned cardboard box with an entry notch cut out is ideal).

Once you have this setup, go and spend time in there with her each day - as much as you can. Sit on the floor to bring yourself closer to her level, and just read or do something else static and non-threatening. Reading aloud softly will help accustom her to the sound of your voice. Always take food in with you, so she associates you with good things. A lot of people swear by plain meat baby food as an extra yummy treat to help speed up the taming process - start by placing it close to her, and gradually day by day edge it closer to you, until she feels safe enough to eat right by you - or even out of your hand. Stay patient and don't rush her. You have all the time in the world.

Interactive play is a wonderful trust and confidence building tool too. Something like Da Bird is ideal, as she can engage with it without having to get too close to you.

Another trick is to leave something with your scent in there for her, so she can start to get to know you that way. An unwashed shirt that you've slept or worked out in is ideal - the stinkier the better Placing it by, or even under, her food bowl is another way for her to associate you with good things, and is very easy to do.

Good luck with her. With time and patience, you WILL get there

10 Must-know Tips For Happy Living With A Shy Cat
16 Top Cat Experts Share Tips For Dealing With Timid Cats
How To Help A New Cat Adjust To Your Home
Six Surefire Strategies To Reduce Stress In Cats
Playing With Your Cat: 10 Things You Need To Know

 

[di and bob]

I just wanted to give you some encouragement, I have found homes for several of my strays and the families have called back several weeks later and said they have never seen them! The advise above is all excellent, she has been severely traumatised by all the changes and some cats are much more sensitive to this and take a long time to adjust. As long as she is using the litter box, eating, and coming out at night, everything will sort itself out with time, and I'm talking several months here. Please don't give up on her, she obviously bonds fiercely with those she loves and she will give her heart to you in time. If you can be patient enough, the reward will be even sweeter to win her heart when it is so hard fought for. I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, give her a chance to make your life complete.

 

[catsknowme]

Bless you for not giving up on such a traumatized cat. I agree with above suggestions. You might reserve feeding canned food to those times that you can be present. Also, teaser toys attached to an old fishing pole are a little less intimidating.

 

[StefanZ]

All that said, thse advices you got earlier werent necessarily bad. So for example, a friendly male ambassadeur can be a good help sometimes, especielly if you as rescuer are inexperienced and dont have much time nor possibility to put in effort (for example to sit in her room and read and talk with her).

When she sees you are friendly with this other cat, the chance is good she will dare to come out and participate in the pleasures. A Feliway diffuser and or calming relaxing music are two other good ideas.


But observe, many experienced rescuers prefer to themselves foster the shy / abused cat: there IS some risk she will bond to to this cat friend, having humans mostly as a filling in.

 

[ondine]

I would also give him a "safe space" for a bit. He may be overwhelmed by all the changes. But having said that, keep in mind he may never be a lap cat.

We have six cats. We see five of them often enough. The sixth? He is usually hiding somewhere - he is the cat in my avatar and allows a ten-second head scratch once very four weeks or so. Other than that, he lives his life. He interacts with the other cats alright but is still, after ten years, wary of humans. He is under the bed at the sound of the doorbell. Even mail being delivered sends him running. He may stay under there for days, until he is sure the coast is clear.

My point is, you may have a cat who prefers to be away from humans. Socializing works only up to a point. I am of the opinion that all cats need a safe home, whether they turn out to be cuddly or not.

Bless you for saving this kitty - he most likely would never have found a home. But I think the best thing for him is to allow him to be himself and enjoy what he has to give you.